SPORTS

H.S. FOOTBALL: TCA beats ECS in final seconds

Craig Thomas
cthomas2@jacksonsun.com

Landon Ross stood along the sideline with his Trinity Christian Academy classmates, each flanked by family members, as they were recognized before the Senior Night game.

He couldn’t have known how the next three hours would go, but he won’t soon forget what was to come.

Ross caught Kyle Akin’s touchdown pass, their third TD connection of the night, for a game-winning score with 0:04 left as TCA beat visiting Evangelical Christian School 35-28.

The Lions (8-1) won their eighth straight game, avenged an ugly loss from last year and consistently showed the kind of under-pressure cool they’ll need if they want to get to Cookeville and compete for a Class 2A state championship.

Ross made two difficult touchdown catches, each time held or interfered with, in the first half and followed up late with the game-winner. He was the third and last option on that play, but Grant Reviere and Eli Parker weren’t open and a surprised Ross ended up making the game’s most memorable play.

“I couldn’t even believe it. I stood up and I was like ‘This is a freakin’ dream,’” Ross said with a laugh.

Akin threw five touchdown passes, including a 33-yarder early to Reviere for a 7-0 lead and a short one to James Bond late in the third quarter to put TCA up 28-14.

ECS’ Keegan Westbrook threw a nine-yard touchdown to Sadler Goodwin, and Christian Lewis had another short touchdown run to tie the game early in the fourth quarter.

TCA fumbled in the red zone but then quickly forced ECS (7-2) to punt, and Ross’ final catch capped the night for Trinity’s offense.

“Landon’s one of the most physically talented kids on our team, and he’s flashed it from time to time,” TCA coach Blake Butler said. “This was probably his best game as a receiver since he’s been here.”

As time ran out, ECS completed a pass and lateraled a few times but couldn’t escape TCA’s defense.

“Beating a team like that we’re able to see what it takes to win,” Akin said.

TCA completed two fourth-down catches to preserve an eventual touchdown drive in the second quarter, and the Lion defense held ECS on 4th and 1 near midfield midway through the fourth quarter. Avery Schwarz made the stop.

“That’s probably one of the proudest moments, seeing our defense make the play to give us a chance to win the game because so many times we have relied so heavily on offense,” Butler said. “It’s kind of known around here, but to see our defense rise to the occasion was awesome.”

TCA’s Andrew Goldsmith sat out with an injury. Butler said Goldsmith’s status is “week to week” but Goldsmith will play in the playoffs and could have played had Friday been a must-win situation.

Parker and Ryan Smith were busy offensively. Bond made several key tackles and Chris Tucker had a 10-yard sack for an improved defensive line.

“Gotta enjoy the victory for today but be ready to work next week,” Ross said.

No, it wasn’t a dream. But TCA plans to make bigger memories in November. The Lions visit Riverside Friday and then prepare for the playoffs.

Craig Thomas, 425-9634